How Can I Beat a Speeding Ticket?

Some people have reported beating over 30 speeding tickets by using specific methods aimed at making the police officer feel at ease. You can beat a speeding ticket too by following these simple techniques. There are also things you can do after the ticket is issued that can help you keep a clean driving record and avoid speeding fines.

At the Scene

Chances are, if you are reading this, you have already gotten a speeding ticket and it’s too late to tell you what to do when you are pulled over. Still, if it ever happens again, you will want to know. So, when you first see those whirling blue lights, pull over right away and take a moment to center yourself. It is important to remain calm.

Eliminate Confrontation

Policemen like to know you are not a threat. Remember, these people risk their lives every day while issuing traffic tickets. After you come to a stop, roll down the window and turn off the car. Make sure the officer can see your hands by putting them on the wheel at 10 and 2 o’clock. If you have a hat or sunglasses on, take them off so the officer can see you. If it is nighttime, put on the interior light of the car to show you have nothing to hide. Two things you should never do: do not take off your seat belt and do not get out of the car.

Admit Nothing

First, you cannot admit what you did wrong because it can be used against you in court. Still, it is important to be respectful. When the officer asks if you know why you were pulled over, politely ask if your answer could cause problems for you in court. This tells the officer that you know your rights, but you are not looking for any confrontation. It will often open up a dialogue and rapport with the officer that can help you later. Be pleasant, easy-going, and remembered as a nice average Joe in the officer’s mind.

Be Polite, Sincere and Cooperative

The officer will ask you for some information, like your driver’s license and registration, so have them ready before he or she asks. Cooperate fully and do everything the officer asks. Do not speak to the officer unless you are asked a direct question and avoid begging him or her not to write you a ticket. Only after you have given your information should you politely ask if you could talk a moment about the violation.

Ask Nicely

Now that you have exchanged information, you should have a rapport going with the officer. This is the time to politely ask that he or she let you off. Be sincere and tell the officer how important it is to you that you keep a clean driving record. Ask humbly and sincerely, but do not beg. One of two things will happen. Either you will still get a ticket, or the officer will let you go.

After the Ticket

Not everyone realizes that you do not have to wait for a court setting to try to get out of the ticket. The officer has the power to drop the ticket at any time. You can call the officer at the police station and ask to arrange for a meeting so that you can talk about the ticket you recently were given. Most officers will meet with you willingly. If you take this approach, be sure you have a good reason. In asking the officer to trade some of his or her time, be sure you at least have a compelling, personal story to tell in exchange. Have a good reason why the officer should make an exception for you.

After your meeting, write a thank you note to the officer, whether you were let off or not. If the officer would not drop the ticket, take a moment to sincerely restate your case in the letter. Otherwise, simply thank the officer and let him or her know the ticket was a very big deal to you, and the officer taking time to meet with you meant a lot as well.

In Court

In some jurisdictions, delayed adjudication is an option. This is a process where you admit what you did wrong, but are forgiven the offense as long as you keep your nose clean for a certain period of time. This is a common procedure in Texas. In Rhode Island, if you can show that you have a clean record, you are automatically forgiven your first offense.

If you cannot use delayed adjudication, just use delay. By putting off your court appearance, you increase the chance that the officer will not appear. When that happens, the case is dismissed. Because the courts are backed up, even asking for one postponement can put the hearing back a year or more.

File a Discovery Request

While you are waiting for your new court date, file a discovery request. This will give you important information about the evidence against you. The information will include the type of radar used, where the patrol car was at the time your speed was clocked and other information. Look for inconsistencies you can use to defend your case when the hearing finally takes place.

Pleading your Case

In most cases, if you were issued a ticket, you were doing something wrong. You should plea either “No Contest” or “Guilty”. With “No Contest” pleas, you are not saying you are guilty, only that you are not saying whether you did it or not. Most cases will be continued without a finding if you have a clean record. A “Guilty” plea will often result in a reduced fine. “Not Guilty” pleas will often give you more trouble than they are worth.

In the end, you are best served not to speed at all. If you do get caught speeding, do everything you can to avoid court. If you do go to court, you will have to pay some sort of fine, but follow these tips and you have a good chance at getting it reduced.